Definition
本性 (běn xìng) refers to a person's or thing's inherent nature or true character, often revealed under pressure or over time. It is broader than 天性 (tiān xìng, innate disposition, often positive) and more neutral than 本色 (běn sè, true character with a moral or positive connotation). 本质 (běn zhì) is more abstract, meaning 'essence' or 'intrinsic quality' of something.
noun
inherent naturetrue character
Examples
- 本性。Rén de běn xìng shì fùzá de.Human nature is complex.
- ,本性。Zài yālì xià, tā de běn xìng bàolù chūlái le.Under pressure, his true nature was revealed.
- 本性,。Tā běn xìng shànliáng, dàn yǒushí yě huì shēngqì.She is kind by nature, but sometimes she gets angry.
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